Open AccessDependent population dynamics between chironomids (nonbiting midges) and Vibrio cholerae
Author(s) -
Halpern Malka,
Raats Dina,
Lavion Revital,
Mittler Shacham
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
fems microbiology ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.377
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1574-6941
pISSN - 0168-6496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2005.00020.x
Subject(s) - biology , vibrio cholerae , population , ecology , vibrio , vibrionaceae , zoology , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , genetics , demography , sociology
Vibrio cholerae , the causative agent of cholera, is a natural inhabitant of the aquatic ecosystem. Chironomid (nonbiting midges) egg masses were recently found to harbour V. cholerae non‐O1 and non‐O139, providing a natural reservoir for the cholera bacterium. Chironomid populations and the presence of V. cholerae in chironomid egg masses were monitored. All V. cholerae isolates were able to degrade chironomid egg masses. The following virulence associated genes were detected in the bacterial isolates: hapA (100%), toxR (100%), hlyA (72%) and ompU (28%). The chironomid populations and the V. cholerae in their egg masses followed the phenological succession and interaction of host–pathogen population dynamics. A peak in the chironomid population was followed by a peak in the V . cholerae population. If such a connection is further substantiated for the pathogenic serogroups of V. cholerae in endemic areas of the disease, it may lead to a better understanding of the role of chironomids as a host for the cholera bacterium.